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Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka

Summary

Reconsider your need to travel to Sri Lanka. Terrorists are likely to carry out further attacks in Sri Lanka. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. Security has been stepped up across the island. On 21 April 2019, a number of bombings targeted prominent hotels and churches in the cities of Colombo, Negombo and Batticaloa. These attacks have resulted in over 250 deaths and over 450 injured. Australians are advised to avoid all affected areas and minimise movement until the situation stabilises. See Safety and security

A State of Emergency remains in place and night-time curfews can be imposed with short notice. Carry relevant travel and identification documents for any checkpoints. Security has been bolstered at Bandaranaike International Airport. If you’re departing from Bandaranaike International Airport arrive four hours ahead of your scheduled flight due to heightened security measures at the airport. Follow the advice of local authorities and monitor the media for updates. See Safety and security

There is the potential for civil unrest and violence against people and property. Religious services are being curtailed. Avoid all demonstrations and large public gatherings, as they may turn violent. Monitor local media for updates. See Safety and security

On 28 April the Australian Government offered voluntary departures from post to the dependants of its Australia-based High Commission staff in Colombo, due to school closures and restricted movements following the 21 April attacks.

All regions of Sri Lanka experience outbreaks of dengue fever. Over 185,000 suspected cases of dengue fever were reported in 2017. Protect yourself from mosquitos. See Health

Some security forces maintain a visible presence, particularly in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. Military and police checkpoints are sometimes established and roads closed without warning. See Safety and security

In the Northern and Eastern Provinces, stay on main roads and pay close attention to signs warning of landmines. See Safety and security

Pay careful attention to your visa type. You could be detained or deported if you don’t comply with your visa conditions.

Entry and exit

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Australian Government cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

Visas

You'll need a visa, in the form of an
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), to visit Sri Lanka. There is a non-refundable processing fee for some categories of the ETA. Make sure you select the correct visa category for your circumstances. If you engage in activities that breach your visa conditions, you could be detained or deported.

Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) can change at short notice. Contact the
High Commission of Sri Lanka for up-to-date information.

Pay close attention to the date your visa expires – you could receive a large fine if you overstay your visa.

Other formalities

If you're travelling from a country with yellow fever or cholera, you'll need to present evidence that you've received the relevant immunisation(s). You'll also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from, or have transited through, affected African and Latin American countries within nine days of entry to Sri Lanka. Babies under one year old are exempt.

Money

The local currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). You can exchange Australian dollars for LKR at the airport and commercial banks in major centres.

There are ATMs in major towns and cities but some ATMs do not accept international cards. Most major banks will allow Visa and MasterCard cash withdrawals. Credit cards are accepted in hotels and major shops. Contact your bank to make sure that your cards will work. Check your statements as credit card fraud occurs.

Safety and security

Terrorism

Attacks on 21 April 2019

Terrorists are likely to carry out further attacks in Sri Lanka. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. For common targets see terrorist threat worldwide. Security has been stepped up across the island. A State of Emergency remains in place and night-time curfews can be imposed with short notice. On 21 April 2019, multiple bomb blasts occurred at different hotels and churches in Sri Lanka, including in Colombo, Negombo and Batticaloa. Australians are advised to avoid all affected areas and minimise movement until the situation stabilises. If you’re travelling during curfew hours, prearrange transport with the necessary curfew permits, either through your hotel or local host well in advance. Carry relevant travel and identification documents for any checkpoints. If you’re departing from Bandaranaike International Airport arrive four hours ahead of your scheduled flight due to heightened security measures at the airport. Curfews and other heightened security
measures could also affect domestic travel including domestic flights.

Check with your tour operator for information on any disruptions to travel plans including accommodation. Security has been bolstered at Bandaranaike International Airport. Allow additional time to clear security formalities and be ready to present travel documents at checkpoints as necessary. More information: Bandaranaike International Airport.

On 28 April the Australian Government offered voluntary departures from post to the dependants of its Australia-based High Commission staff in Colombo, due to school closures and restricted movements following the 21 April attacks.

Conventional conflict between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the north of the country ended in May 2009 with the military defeat of the LTTE.

Civil unrest and political tension

Demonstrations and large public gatherings can turn violent or be a target for politically-motivated attacks. Police have used tear gas and water cannons in response to protests. Curfews can be imposed at short notice.

Some security forces maintain a visible presence, particularly in the northern and eastern provinces. Military and police checkpoints can be established and road closures can occur without warning. The security forces have wide-ranging powers, including the authority to impose curfews, detain without charge for extended periods and to search individuals, vehicles, residences and commercial premises. Non-Sri Lankan citizens of Sri Lankan heritage have been detained on occasion by police or security forces.

There is a significant presence of military and security forces in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka, including Mannar, Vavuniya, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu and Jaffna Districts. Travel restrictions for foreigners may be applied without notice. Marked and unmarked minefields and unexploded ordnance remain in some areas.

Most of the Eastern Province has been cleared of landmines and unexploded ordnance but some isolated areas are yet to be cleared. Travel restrictions for foreigners may be applied without notice. Communal and inter-ethnic tensions have been high in the east in the past. Isolated incidents of violence can occur with little warning.

Carry proof of identification, such as your passport, at all times.

Avoid all demonstrations, protests and large public gatherings.

Monitor the media and local sources for news of planned and possible unrest. Avoid affected areas.

If a curfew is imposed, adhere to it and seek local advice on safety and security issues.

Comply with instructions issued by security personnel.

If you are detained, ask to contact the Australian High Commission – see
Where to get help.

If you travel to Northern Province or Eastern Province, also:

stay on main roads

pay close attention to landmine warning signs

seek advice from local authorities on the location of unsafe areas

be ready to adjust your travel plans, if travel restrictions are imposed or security issues arise.

Crime

You could encounter violent crime in Sri Lanka, including sexual assault and robbery. Pick-pocketing, bag snatching and other petty crime occurs, particularly in crowded places such as markets, sporting events and on public transport. Thefts also occur in hotels and guesthouses.

Sexual harassment and assault are risks, particularly in areas frequented by foreigners and when using public buses or three-wheeled vehicles (tuk tuks). Verbal harassment, physical advances, drink spiking and sexual assaults have been reported.

Never accept food, drinks, gum or cigarettes from strangers. Never leave drinks unattended.

If you aren't sure if a drink is safe, leave it.

Stick with people you trust at parties and in bars, nightclubs and taxis.

If you're female and travelling alone, be alert and organise your travels only through reputable travel companies. More information:
Female travellers

Seek advice from your credit card provider on how to best protect against credit card fraud.

Only use ATMs attached to banks and major hotels.

Local travel

High Security Zones

If you plan to meet military officials or to visit military establishments or High Security Zones, you'll first need to get approval from the Ministry of Defence.

Limit travel in High Security Zones and near military and government installations.

Be ready to present your approval documents at roadblocks and checkpoints.

Tours and adventure activities

The safety standards you might expect of transport and tour operators, including for adventure and water sport activities, are not always met. Recommended safety precautions and maintenance standards may not be followed. Safety equipment such as lifejackets and seatbelts may not be provided.

If you plan to participate in adventure activities, first talk to your travel insurer to check if the activity is covered by your insurance policy. Check operators' credentials and safety equipment before booking. Don't be afraid to ask about or insist on minimal safety requirements. Always use available safety equipment, even if others don't. If appropriate safety equipment is not available, use another provider.

Swimming conditions at some beaches are unsafe and there are often strong rips. Lifesaving services are rare and not to the same standard as those in Australia. Take appropriate precautions.

Road travel

Transport conditions throughout Sri Lanka are hazardous. Deaths and injuries from road accidents are common. You’re over three times more likely to be killed in a motor accident in Sri Lanka than in Australia. Driving and vehicle maintenance standards are poor.

Familiarise yourself with local traffic laws and practices before driving.

Driver's licence

You'll need a valid international driving permit (IDP) along with your current Australian driver's licence to drive a vehicle in Sri Lanka. After three months, you'll need to get a local licence. Driving without an IDP could void your travel and vehicle insurance.

Motorcycles

Taxis

On arrival at the airport, use the taxi services from within the arrivals terminal or taxi services arranged through your hotel. If you have a local SIM card, ride-sharing apps, such as Uber, are available in major cities, but the vehicle standard is variable.

Public transport

Safety standards on buses and trains may be lower than in Australia. There are a high number of road deaths and injuries, particularly on inter-city buses and tuk tuks. There have also been a number of fatal accidents on Sri Lankan railways in recent years. Take care of your possessions as petty crime occurs.

Sea travel

Air travel

Commercial air services run by the Sri Lankan Air Force may not meet international commercial airline standards for safety and maintenance. When using the Air Force-run domestic airline, Helitours, Australian officials only use the MA60 aircraft on scheduled flights.

The Australian Government does not provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths. See the
Aviation Safety Network website for information on aviation safety in Sri Lanka.

Dual nationals

Local customs

There are conservative standards of dress and behaviour in Sri Lanka. Respect religious traditions and artefacts. Take care not to offend.

Respect local restrictions and observances around religious holidays. Full moon Poya Days are celebrated once a month, when the sale and purchase of alcohol or fresh meat is banned.

Photography of or near certain places of worship could offend. Seek local advice.

Health

Travel insurance

Take out comprehensive travel insurance before you depart to cover overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. Make sure your policy includes adequate coverage for any pre-existing conditions.

Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government won't pay for your medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs. This can be very expensive and cost you many thousands of dollars upfront.

Confirm:

what circumstances and activities are and aren't covered under your policy

Medication

Not all medications available over the counter or by prescription in Australia are available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

Before you leave Australia, check if your medication is legal in each country you're travelling to and find out if any quantity restrictions or certification requirements apply. Consult your doctor about alternatives well in advance of travel

Take legal prescription medicine with you so you remain in good health. Carry copies of your prescription and a letter from your doctor stating what the medicine is, how much you'll take and that it's for personal use only.

Health risks

Mosquito-borne diseases

All regions of Sri Lanka experience outbreaks of dengue fever. Over 185,000 suspected cases of dengue fever were reported in 2017, a sharp increase from previous years. Approximately 30% of dengue cases were reported from the Western province. If you have a fever, seek medical attention.

Where to get help

Depending on what you need, your best option may be to first contact your family, friends, airline, travel agent, tour provider, employer or travel insurer. Your travel insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.